Senator Bernie Sanders, who is leading the race to win the Democratic nomination for the US presidential elections, announced that he will boycott the annual conference of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the most prominent Zionist lobbying group in the United States.
Sanders explained his position in words he wrote on Twitter criticizing Aipac, who quickly replied to him on Twitter and described his position as "shameful."
"The Israeli people have the right to live in peace and security. So are the Palestinian people. I remain concerned about the platform that AIPAC offers to leaders who demonstrate intolerance and oppose basic Palestinian rights. Therefore I will not attend their conference," Sanders - who is Jewish - said.
The Israeli people have the right to live in peace and security. So do the Palestinian people. I remain concerned about the platform AIPAC provides for leaders who express bigotry and oppose basic Palestinian rights. For that reason I will not attend their conference. 1/2 - Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) February 23, 2020 |
"As president, I will support the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians and do everything possible to bring peace and security to the region," he added.
Many comments were received, including what supports Sanders' position and what is critical of it. Among the supporters, Adam Abu Salah wrote on Twitter, "My Palestinian grandmother just voted for Bernie Sanders (in the Democratic primary), to be the next president of the United States because he is not afraid to say that her family in Palestine deserves to live in peace and dignity."
My Palestinian grandmother just voted for @BernieSanders to be the next president of the United States, because he is not afraid to say that her family in Palestine deserve to live in peace and dignity. # Bernie2020 #MyPalestinianSitty pic.twitter.com/91FSi7rueu - Adam Abusalah (@adam_abusalah) February 23, 2020 |
But Sanders' announcement angered Aipac, who was quick to issue a statement saying, "Senator Sanders has never attended our conference and this is evident from his outrageous statement."
"In fact, there are many of his fellow Democrats and leaders in the Senate and House of Representatives who address more than 18,000 Americans on our platform."
Senator Sanders has never attended our conference and that is evident from his outrageous comment. |
"By waging such a reprehensible attack on this all-party American political event, Senator Sanders offends his colleagues themselves and the millions of Americans who stand with Israel. This is truly a shame," the statement said.
The AIPAC Policy Conference will be held on 1-4 March. The conference is described as the largest gathering of supporters of Israel within the United States. Political figures from the Republican and Democratic parties have participated in the conference to express their support for Israel, especially those wishing to reach home. the White.